A Real Mallorca fan has received a 12-month suspended prison sentence for racially abusing Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. and former Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze, as ruled by a Spanish court. Real Madrid confirmed in a statement that the supporter was also banned from attending stadiums for three years. His sentence was suspended following an apology letter to Vinicius Jr. and completion of anti-discrimination training.
"Real Madrid will keep working to protect the club's values and eradicate any racist behaviour in the world of football and sport," the club stated. Additionally, a minor associated with Mallorca who racially abused midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni has been banned from stadiums for one year.
The incidents involving Vinicius Jr. took place during Madrid's 1-0 La Liga loss to Real Mallorca at Son Moix stadium in February 2023. The fan also directed racial slurs at Chukwueze, who now plays for AC Milan, two weeks later. This marks the third criminal conviction for racist insults aimed at Real Madrid players in recent months, particularly against Vinicius, who has faced such abuse since his arrival in Spain in 2018.
In June, three Valencia fans were sentenced to eight months in prison for racist abuse directed at Vinicius at Mestalla Stadium in May 2023. Earlier this September, Vinicius urged for Spain to lose its hosting rights for the 2030 World Cup unless significant progress is made regarding racism in stadiums.
Real Madrid is set to face city rivals Atletico at Metropolitano Stadium this Sunday, where Vinicius has previously experienced racist abuse.
